EP2328768A1 - Retractable vehicle roof apparatus and vehicle having the same - Google Patents

Retractable vehicle roof apparatus and vehicle having the same

Info

Publication number
EP2328768A1
EP2328768A1 EP09815616A EP09815616A EP2328768A1 EP 2328768 A1 EP2328768 A1 EP 2328768A1 EP 09815616 A EP09815616 A EP 09815616A EP 09815616 A EP09815616 A EP 09815616A EP 2328768 A1 EP2328768 A1 EP 2328768A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
roof
trunk cover
rear shelf
retractable
closure flap
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP09815616A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2328768A4 (en
Inventor
Dehe Mao
Hu MAN
Hongfei Yan
Yi Qin
Tao Liu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BYD Co Ltd
Original Assignee
BYD Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BYD Co Ltd filed Critical BYD Co Ltd
Publication of EP2328768A1 publication Critical patent/EP2328768A1/en
Publication of EP2328768A4 publication Critical patent/EP2328768A4/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
    • B60J7/08—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position
    • B60J7/12—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts
    • B60J7/14—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of rigid plate-like elements or rigid non plate-like elements, e.g. with non-slidable, but pivotable or foldable movement
    • B60J7/143—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of rigid plate-like elements or rigid non plate-like elements, e.g. with non-slidable, but pivotable or foldable movement for covering the passenger compartment
    • B60J7/145—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of rigid plate-like elements or rigid non plate-like elements, e.g. with non-slidable, but pivotable or foldable movement for covering the passenger compartment at least two elements being folded in clamp-shell fashion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
    • B60J7/20—Vehicle storage compartments for roof parts or for collapsible flexible tops
    • B60J7/202—Vehicle storage compartments for roof parts or for collapsible flexible tops being characterised by moveable cover parts for closing the gap between boot lid and rearmost seats
    • B60J7/203—Vehicle storage compartments for roof parts or for collapsible flexible tops being characterised by moveable cover parts for closing the gap between boot lid and rearmost seats the cover part comprising cover side flaps

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a retractable vehicle roof apparatus and vehicles having the retractable vehicle roof apparatus.
  • the roof of the convertible sprot car should ensure a sealed condition in the extended position in order to solve the problem of all-weather suitability. Also, the roof should be safe and stable during opening and closing thereof.
  • a roof retracting apparatus is needed to retract a long roof into a trunk and ensure the sealed condition.
  • a retractable hard roof is disclosed in the Chinese patent publication CNl 293122 A.
  • the retractable hard roof comprises an upper roof part and a rear roof part which are connected to each other via a link assembly.
  • the upper roof part moves into the interior of the rear roof part and retracts into a receiving space together with the rear roof part.
  • CN1293122A does not consider the sealed condition when the roof is in the closed and retracted position.
  • a retractable hard roof of vehicle is disclosed in the Chinese Utility Model CN2880565Y.
  • the hard roof comprises a base, a first link connected to the front end of the base, a second link connected to the rear end of base, and a third link connected between the first link and the second link.
  • the second link comprises a rear link and a front link connected to the front link.
  • CN2880565Y does not refer to a mechanism providing the sealing condition.
  • the hard roof will affects disadvantageous ⁇ the esthetic and aelinkynamic performance of the vehicle when extended and retracted.
  • the retractable roof apparatus comprises a rear cover.
  • the rear cover comprises a rear shelf and two closure flaps on both sides of the rear shelf.
  • the rear cover can be moved so as to permit the passing through of the roof and the guiding means thereof when the roof moves between the extended position and the retracted position.
  • the rear cover provides a sealing structure when the roof is in the extended position or retracted position.
  • the movement of the rear cover is in a linkage relationship with that of the roof. Concretely, during the movement of the roof, the extension of the guiding means of the roof causes rotation of the cam. Then the cam actuates the rear cover to move via a L-shaped lever.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an improved retractable vehicle roof apparatus which is simpler in structure, more reliable and stable in operation.
  • the retractable vehicle roof apparatus comprises a roof, a rear windshield hinged to the roof, a trunk cover, a rear shelf disposed at the rear windshield and moveable between a horizontal position in which the rear shelf provides a sealing structure for the vehicle and a vertical position in which the rear shelf provides a space for the passage of the roof and the rear windshield, and closure flaps mounted on the trunk cover and moveable between an extended position in which the closure flaps are located at both sides of the trunk cover respectively and a retracted position in which the closure flaps are attached to a lower surface of the trunk cover.
  • the present invention also provides a vehicle which comprises a retractable vehicle roof apparatus according to the above embodiment of the present invention.
  • the rear shelf is disposed at the rear windshield and moveable between a horizontal position in which the rear shelf provides a sealing structure for the vehicle and a vertical position in which the rear shelf provides a space for giving place to the roof and the rear windshield.
  • the closure flaps are mounted on the trunk cover and moveable between an extended position in which the closure flaps are located at both sides of the trunk cover respectively and a retracted position in which the closure flaps are attached to a lower surface of the trunk cover.
  • the rear shelf and the closure flaps are mounted separately so that the apparatus is simpler in structure, more reliable and stable in operation.
  • FIG.l is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus
  • FIG.2 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the rear shelf.
  • FIG.3 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the closure flaps.
  • FIG.4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the closure flap actuating device.
  • FIG.5 is a flow chart illustrating the movement process of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus during moving from the extended position to the retracted position.
  • FIG.6 is a flow chart illustrating the movement process of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus during moving from the retracted position to the extended position.
  • the retractable hard roof device a mechanism which is moveable between the retracted position (open position) and the extended position (closed position) so as to open and close the top of the vehicle and mainly comprises a roof 1 and a rear windshield 2.
  • the roof 1 the roof is located at the top of the vehicle, used as the tip end of the retractable hard roof device, and covers the top of the compartment.
  • the windshield 2 the windshield is located at the rear of the roof 1, used as the root end of the retractable hard roof device, and covers the rear of the compartment.
  • the place-giving device for the retractable hard roof device a mechanism which provides a space for the passage of the retractable hard roof device, and comprises a trunk cover rearward-turning device, a rear shelf, and closure flaps.
  • the trunk cover rearward-turning device a mechanism which turns the trunk cover 3 rearwards by an angle around a shaft mounted on the vehicle body to provides a space for giving place to the retractable hard roof device during the retractable hard roof apparatus moving between the retracted position and the extended position.
  • the rear shelf 4 the rear shelf is mounted near the hinge of the retractable hard roof device, cooperates with the retractable hard roof device to provide the space for giving place to the retractable hard roof device , and also conceals a gap left between the up brink of the seatback of the rear seats and the down brink of the rear windshield when the retractable hard roof device is in the extended position and conceals a gap left between the he up brink of the seatback of the rear seats and the front brink of the trunk cover.
  • the closure flaps 5 the closure flap is mounted at the front of the trunk cover, cooperates with the retractable hard roof device, retracted into the trunk to provide a space for giving place to the rear windshield when the retractable hard roof device is in the extended position and extended out to conceal the space for giving place so as to ensure the sealing of the vehicle when the retractable hard roof device is in the retracted position.
  • a retractable vehicle roof apparatus comprises a roof 1, a rear windshield 2, a trunk cover 3, a rear shelf 4 and closure flaps 5.
  • the roof 1 is hinged to the rear windshield 2, the rear shelf 4 is disposed at the rear windshield 2 when the roof 1 is resting on the vehicle frame and can move between the horizontal position in which the rear shelf 4 functions as a sealing structure and the vertical position in which the rear shelf 4 provides a space for the passage of the roof 1 and the rear windshield 2.
  • the closure flaps 5 are mounted on the trunk cover 3 and can move between the extended position in which the closure flaps 5 are located on both sides of the trunk cover 3 and the retracted position in which the closure flaps 5 are attached to the lower surface of the trunk cover 3.
  • the actuating device for driving the roof 1 and the rear windshield 2 can be the existing actuating device, such as the actuating device disclosed in CN2880565Y and CN1750952A.
  • the actuating device comprises a hydraulic assembly and a four link mechanism actuated by the hydraulic assembly.
  • the rear shelf 4 can be actuated by a separate rear shelf actuating device.
  • the rear shelf 4 also can operate in a linkage relationship with the roof 1 and the rear windshield 2. Namely, the rear shelf 4 can be actuated by the actuating device of the roof 1 and the rear windshield 2.
  • the rear shelf actuating device comprises a rear shelf motor, a cable 7 which is actuated by the rear shelf motor, a pulley 8 which is actuated to rotate by the cable 7, the pulley 8 is mounted on the rear shelf 4 and actuates the rear shelf 4 to move between the horizontal position and the vertical position.
  • the closure flaps 5 are actuated by a separate closure flap actuating device.
  • the closure flap actuating device comprises a hinge 10 which is mounted on the trunk cover 3 and to which the closure flaps 5 are rotatably connected, a closure flap motor 12 which is mounted on the trunk cover 3, a flexible shaft 11 which is actuated to reciprocate by the closure flap motor 12, and a gear 13 which is mounted on the closure flap 5 and engaged with the flexible shaft 11.
  • the hinge 10 is mounted on the trunk cover 3.
  • the gear 13 is rotatably mounted on the hinge 10.
  • the connecting arm of the closure flap 5 is fixed to the gear 13. Therefore, the closure flap 5 can rotate around the hinge 10 together with the gear 13.
  • the flexible shaft 11 which is reciprocated by the closure flap motor 12 to move back and forth has teeth engaged with the gear 13.
  • the gear 13 is actuated to rotate in the hinge 10 by the flexible shaft 11 when the flexible shaft 11 reciprocates.
  • the gear 13 which is rotated actuates the closure flap 5 to move between the extended position and the retracted position.
  • the closure flaps 5 and the closure flap actuating devices are mounted on both sides of the trunk cover 3 respectively.
  • the closure flap actuating devices can use a motor commonly or use a separate motor respectively.
  • movements of the roof 1 , the rear windshield 2, the trunk cover 3, the rear shelf 4, and the closure flaps 5 are respectively controlled by their own sensors and electric controlling devices which are known in the art.
  • Step 1 the trunk cover 3 is turned over rearwards and triggers the sensor when arriving at the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU (Electric Control Unit).
  • ECU Electronic Control Unit
  • Step 2 the closure flaps 5 are extended out and trigger the sensor when they reach the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
  • Step 3 the retractable hard roof apparatus moves from the extended position towards the retracted position and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the rear shelf 4 is turned rearwards and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
  • Step 4 the retractable hard roof apparatus continues to move until it is retracted into the trunk and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
  • Step 5 the rear shelf 4 is turned to return its position and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
  • Step 6 the trunk cover is retracted and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the device is ended under the control of ECU.
  • the sensors can be the existing sensors which are appropriate, such as proximity sensors and hall sensors.
  • ECU can be the existing ECU.
  • Step 1 the trunk cover 3 is turned rearwards and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
  • Step 2 the rear shelf is turned upwards and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
  • Step 3 the retractable hard roof apparatus moves from the retracted position towards the extended position and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
  • Step 4 the retractable hard roof apparatus continues to move until it is completely extended and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
  • Step 5 the closure flaps are retracted and trigger the sensor when it reach the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU. Step 6: the trunk cover is closed and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus is ended under the control of ECU.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Power-Operated Mechanisms For Wings (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)

Abstract

A retractable vehicle roof apparatus comprises a roof (1), a rear windshield (2) hinged to the roof (1), a trunk cover (3), a rear shelf (4) disposed at the rear windshield (2) and moveable between a horizontal position in which the rear shelf (4) provides a sealing structure for the vehicle and a vertical position in which the rear shelf (4) provides a space for the passage of the roof (1) and the rear windshield (2), and closure flaps (5) mounted on the trunk cover (3) and moveable between an extended position in which the closure flaps (5) are located at both sides of the trunk cover (3) respectively and a retracted position in which the closure flaps (5) are attached to a lower surface of the trunk cover (3). A vehicle comprises the above-mentioned retractable vehicle roof apparatus.

Description

RETRACTABLE VEHICLE ROOF APPARATUS AND
VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to and benefit of Chinese Patent Application Serial No. 200820137229.X, filed in the State Intellectual Property Office of the P. R. China on September 24, 2008.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a retractable vehicle roof apparatus and vehicles having the retractable vehicle roof apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART
With the social and economic developments, people pay more attention to the quality of life. Convertible sprot cars become more and more popular. The roof of the convertible sprot car should ensure a sealed condition in the extended position in order to solve the problem of all-weather suitability. Also, the roof should be safe and stable during opening and closing thereof.
Compared to vehicles fitted with triple-collapsed roofs, vehicles fitted with double-collapsed roofs are simpler in configuration, but need longer trunks to receive the roofs. It is more difficult to drive a vehicle having a longer trunk. Thus a roof retracting apparatus is needed to retract a long roof into a trunk and ensure the sealed condition.
A retractable hard roof is disclosed in the Chinese patent publication CNl 293122 A. The retractable hard roof comprises an upper roof part and a rear roof part which are connected to each other via a link assembly. When the roof is located at the retracted position, the upper roof part moves into the interior of the rear roof part and retracts into a receiving space together with the rear roof part. CN1293122A does not consider the sealed condition when the roof is in the closed and retracted position.
A retractable hard roof of vehicle is disclosed in the Chinese Utility Model CN2880565Y.The hard roof comprises a base, a first link connected to the front end of the base, a second link connected to the rear end of base, and a third link connected between the first link and the second link. The second link comprises a rear link and a front link connected to the front link. During operation, by driving the respective links to act through a hydraulic system , the roof is moved between a extended position in which the roof is extended and close the top of the vehicle and a retracted position in which the roof retracts into the roof receiving space. CN2880565Y does not refer to a mechanism providing the sealing condition. The hard roof will affects disadvantageous^ the esthetic and aelinkynamic performance of the vehicle when extended and retracted.
A retractable roof apparatus and the vehicle fitted with the same are disclosed in the Chinese patent publication CN1750952A.The retractable roof apparatus comprises a rear cover. The rear cover comprises a rear shelf and two closure flaps on both sides of the rear shelf. The rear cover can be moved so as to permit the passing through of the roof and the guiding means thereof when the roof moves between the extended position and the retracted position. The rear cover provides a sealing structure when the roof is in the extended position or retracted position. The movement of the rear cover is in a linkage relationship with that of the roof. Concretely, during the movement of the roof, the extension of the guiding means of the roof causes rotation of the cam. Then the cam actuates the rear cover to move via a L-shaped lever. With continuous rotation of the guiding means of the roof, the extension of the guiding means comes into trigger with the pully and causes rotation of the pully. The rotation of the pully generates a tractive force on a cable fixed to the pully. At the other end of the cable, this tractive force acts on an actuating mechanism of the closure flaps and further causes opening or closing of the closure flaps. Vehicles fitted with the retractable roof apparatus suffer from many disadvantages. Firstly, that the start points of the parts are not concurrent and the cable derails results in ruinous consequence such as rupture of the rear shelf and stopping of the roof. Secondly, the retractable roof apparatus which is complicated in configuration needs to be manufactured and assembled in high accuracy. Thirdly, it is difficult to adjust the relationship between the trunk cover and the roof. Fourthly, the operation of the retractable roof apparatus is not stable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved retractable vehicle roof apparatus which is simpler in structure, more reliable and stable in operation.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retractable vehicle roof apparatus comprises a roof, a rear windshield hinged to the roof, a trunk cover, a rear shelf disposed at the rear windshield and moveable between a horizontal position in which the rear shelf provides a sealing structure for the vehicle and a vertical position in which the rear shelf provides a space for the passage of the roof and the rear windshield, and closure flaps mounted on the trunk cover and moveable between an extended position in which the closure flaps are located at both sides of the trunk cover respectively and a retracted position in which the closure flaps are attached to a lower surface of the trunk cover.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the present invention also provides a vehicle which comprises a retractable vehicle roof apparatus according to the above embodiment of the present invention.
In the retractable vehicle roof apparatus according to the present invention, the rear shelf is disposed at the rear windshield and moveable between a horizontal position in which the rear shelf provides a sealing structure for the vehicle and a vertical position in which the rear shelf provides a space for giving place to the roof and the rear windshield. The closure flaps are mounted on the trunk cover and moveable between an extended position in which the closure flaps are located at both sides of the trunk cover respectively and a retracted position in which the closure flaps are attached to a lower surface of the trunk cover. The rear shelf and the closure flaps are mounted separately so that the apparatus is simpler in structure, more reliable and stable in operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The aforementioned features and advantages of the invention as well as additional features and advantages thereof will be more clearly understood hereinafter as a result of a detailed description of embodiments when taken in conjunction with the drawings.
FIG.l is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus
FIG.2 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the rear shelf.
FIG.3 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the closure flaps.
FIG.4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the closure flap actuating device.
FIG.5 is a flow chart illustrating the movement process of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus during moving from the extended position to the retracted position.
FIG.6 is a flow chart illustrating the movement process of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus during moving from the retracted position to the extended position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
The present invention will be described in detail hereinafter.
Firstly, the terms used in the description are explained as follows:
The retractable hard roof device: a mechanism which is moveable between the retracted position (open position) and the extended position (closed position) so as to open and close the top of the vehicle and mainly comprises a roof 1 and a rear windshield 2.
The roof 1 : the roof is located at the top of the vehicle, used as the tip end of the retractable hard roof device, and covers the top of the compartment.
The windshield 2: the windshield is located at the rear of the roof 1, used as the root end of the retractable hard roof device, and covers the rear of the compartment.
The place-giving device for the retractable hard roof device: a mechanism which provides a space for the passage of the retractable hard roof device, and comprises a trunk cover rearward-turning device, a rear shelf, and closure flaps.
The trunk cover rearward-turning device: a mechanism which turns the trunk cover 3 rearwards by an angle around a shaft mounted on the vehicle body to provides a space for giving place to the retractable hard roof device during the retractable hard roof apparatus moving between the retracted position and the extended position.
The rear shelf 4: the rear shelf is mounted near the hinge of the retractable hard roof device, cooperates with the retractable hard roof device to provide the space for giving place to the retractable hard roof device , and also conceals a gap left between the up brink of the seatback of the rear seats and the down brink of the rear windshield when the retractable hard roof device is in the extended position and conceals a gap left between the he up brink of the seatback of the rear seats and the front brink of the trunk cover.
The closure flaps 5: the closure flap is mounted at the front of the trunk cover, cooperates with the retractable hard roof device, retracted into the trunk to provide a space for giving place to the rear windshield when the retractable hard roof device is in the extended position and extended out to conceal the space for giving place so as to ensure the sealing of the vehicle when the retractable hard roof device is in the retracted position.
As shown in drawings, a retractable vehicle roof apparatus according to and embodiment of the present invention comprises a roof 1, a rear windshield 2, a trunk cover 3, a rear shelf 4 and closure flaps 5. The roof 1 is hinged to the rear windshield 2, the rear shelf 4 is disposed at the rear windshield 2 when the roof 1 is resting on the vehicle frame and can move between the horizontal position in which the rear shelf 4 functions as a sealing structure and the vertical position in which the rear shelf 4 provides a space for the passage of the roof 1 and the rear windshield 2. The closure flaps 5 are mounted on the trunk cover 3 and can move between the extended position in which the closure flaps 5 are located on both sides of the trunk cover 3 and the retracted position in which the closure flaps 5 are attached to the lower surface of the trunk cover 3.
The actuating device for driving the roof 1 and the rear windshield 2 can be the existing actuating device, such as the actuating device disclosed in CN2880565Y and CN1750952A. Alternatively, the actuating device comprises a hydraulic assembly and a four link mechanism actuated by the hydraulic assembly.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rear shelf 4 can be actuated by a separate rear shelf actuating device. The rear shelf 4 also can operate in a linkage relationship with the roof 1 and the rear windshield 2. Namely, the rear shelf 4 can be actuated by the actuating device of the roof 1 and the rear windshield 2.
As shown in FIG.2, the rear shelf actuating device comprises a rear shelf motor, a cable 7 which is actuated by the rear shelf motor, a pulley 8 which is actuated to rotate by the cable 7, the pulley 8 is mounted on the rear shelf 4 and actuates the rear shelf 4 to move between the horizontal position and the vertical position.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the closure flaps 5 are actuated by a separate closure flap actuating device.
As shown in FIG.3 and FIG.4, the closure flap actuating device comprises a hinge 10 which is mounted on the trunk cover 3 and to which the closure flaps 5 are rotatably connected, a closure flap motor 12 which is mounted on the trunk cover 3, a flexible shaft 11 which is actuated to reciprocate by the closure flap motor 12, and a gear 13 which is mounted on the closure flap 5 and engaged with the flexible shaft 11.
Concretely, the hinge 10 is mounted on the trunk cover 3. The gear 13 is rotatably mounted on the hinge 10. The connecting arm of the closure flap 5 is fixed to the gear 13. Therefore, the closure flap 5 can rotate around the hinge 10 together with the gear 13. The flexible shaft 11 which is reciprocated by the closure flap motor 12 to move back and forth has teeth engaged with the gear 13. The gear 13 is actuated to rotate in the hinge 10 by the flexible shaft 11 when the flexible shaft 11 reciprocates. The gear 13 which is rotated actuates the closure flap 5 to move between the extended position and the retracted position.
The closure flaps 5 and the closure flap actuating devices are mounted on both sides of the trunk cover 3 respectively. The closure flap actuating devices can use a motor commonly or use a separate motor respectively.
In an embodiment of the present invention, movements of the roof 1 , the rear windshield 2, the trunk cover 3, the rear shelf 4, and the closure flaps 5 are respectively controlled by their own sensors and electric controlling devices which are known in the art.
The operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus from extended position (closed position) to the retracted position (open position) will be described in detail referring to FIG5.
Step 1 : the trunk cover 3 is turned over rearwards and triggers the sensor when arriving at the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU (Electric Control Unit).
Step 2: the closure flaps 5 are extended out and trigger the sensor when they reach the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
Step 3 : the retractable hard roof apparatus moves from the extended position towards the retracted position and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the rear shelf 4 is turned rearwards and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
Step 4: the retractable hard roof apparatus continues to move until it is retracted into the trunk and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
Step 5: the rear shelf 4 is turned to return its position and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
Step 6: the trunk cover is retracted and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the device is ended under the control of ECU.
The sensors can be the existing sensors which are appropriate, such as proximity sensors and hall sensors. ECU can be the existing ECU.
The operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus from retracted position to the extended position will be described in detail referring to FIG6.
Step 1 : the trunk cover 3 is turned rearwards and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
Step 2: the rear shelf is turned upwards and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
Step 3: the retractable hard roof apparatus moves from the retracted position towards the extended position and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
Step 4: the retractable hard roof apparatus continues to move until it is completely extended and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU.
Step 5: the closure flaps are retracted and trigger the sensor when it reach the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus goes into next step under the control of ECU. Step 6: the trunk cover is closed and triggers the sensor when it reaches the designated position. Then the operation of the retractable vehicle roof apparatus is ended under the control of ECU.
Although explanatory embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes, alternatives, and modifications can be made in the embodiments without departing from spirit and principles of the invention. Such changes, alternatives, and modifications all fall into the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A retractable vehicle roof apparatus, comprising: a roof (1), a rear windshield (2) hinged to the roof, a trunk cover (3), a rear shelf (4) disposed at the rear windshield (2) and moveable between a horizontal position in which the rear shelf (4) provides a sealing structure for the vehicle and a vertical position in which the rear shelf (4) provides a space for the passage of the roof (1) and the rear windshield (2) , and closure flaps (5) mounted on the trunk cover (3) and moveable between an extended position in which the closure flaps (5) are located at both sides of the trunk cover (3) respectively and a retracted position in which the closure flaps (5) are attached to a lower surface of the trunk cover (3).
2. The retractable vehicle roof apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rear shelf (4) is actuated by a separate rear shelf actuating device.
3. The retractable vehicle roof apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rear shelf actuating device comprises a rear shelf motor, a cable (7) actuated by the motor, a pulley (8) actuated to rotate by the cable (7) and mounted on the rear shelf (4) so as to actuate the rear shelf (4) to move.
4. The retractable vehicle roof apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the rear shelf (4) is in a linkage relationship with those of the roof (1) and the rear windshield (2).
5. The retractable vehicle roof apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the closure flaps (5) are actuated by a separate closure flap actuating device.
6. The retractable vehicle roof apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the closure flap actuating device comprises a hinge (10) mounted on the trunk cover (3) and hinged to the closure flap (5), a closure flap motor (12) mounted on the trunk cover (3), a flexible shaft (11) driven to reciprocate by the closure flap motor (12), and a gear (13) mounted on the closure flap (5) and engaged with the flexible shaft (11).
7. The retractable vehicle roof apparatus according to claim 6, wherein one closure flap and one closure flap actuating device are provided on each side of the trunk cover (3), and two closure flap actuating devices on both sides of the trunk cover (3) share one closure flap motor (12).
8. The retractable vehicle roof apparatus according to claim 1, wherein movements of the roof (1), the rear windshield (2), the trunk cover (3), the rear shelf (4), and the closure flaps (5) are respectively controlled by their own sensors and electric controlling devices.
9 . A vehicle comprising a retractable vehicle roof apparatus according to any one of the claims 1-8.
EP09815616A 2008-09-24 2009-09-24 Retractable vehicle roof apparatus and vehicle having the same Withdrawn EP2328768A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CNU200820137229XU CN201291741Y (en) 2008-09-24 2008-09-24 Vehicle roof turning device and vehicle having the device
PCT/CN2009/074197 WO2010034247A1 (en) 2008-09-24 2009-09-24 Retractable vehicle roof apparatus and vehicle having the same

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2328768A1 true EP2328768A1 (en) 2011-06-08
EP2328768A4 EP2328768A4 (en) 2012-08-15

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09815616A Withdrawn EP2328768A4 (en) 2008-09-24 2009-09-24 Retractable vehicle roof apparatus and vehicle having the same

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20110227365A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2328768A4 (en)
CN (1) CN201291741Y (en)
WO (1) WO2010034247A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20110227365A1 (en) 2011-09-22
CN201291741Y (en) 2009-08-19
EP2328768A4 (en) 2012-08-15
WO2010034247A1 (en) 2010-04-01

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